With reference to ancient Indian religious architecture, which one of the following statements about Buddhist stupas in India is not correct?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about Buddhist stupas in ancient India, which are among the most iconic religious structures in the subcontinent. Stupas were associated with relic worship, pilgrimage and the spread of Buddhism. The question asks which statement is not correct, so it requires careful evaluation of the role of Ashoka, the function of stupas and their typical locations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Option a: Ashoka helped popularise the cult of stupas.
• Option b: Stupas contained relics of the Buddha and other monks.
• Option c: Stupas were located in rural areas.
• Option d: Stupas were located close to trade routes.
• We must find the statement that does not accurately describe Buddhist stupas.

Concept / Approach:
Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, is known for constructing and enlarging many stupas, so option a is correct. Stupas were indeed built as reliquaries; they often contained bodily relics or other sacred objects linked to the Buddha and revered monks, making option b correct. Many stupas were strategically located near important trade routes and urban centres to attract pilgrims and travellers, so option d is also correct. The problematic statement is option c, which says stupas were located in rural areas as if this were their typical characteristic. In reality, many major stupas, such as Sanchi and Bharhut, were near trade routes and emerging urban centres, not isolated rural locations. Therefore, option c is not correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate option a and recall that Ashoka patronised Buddhism and built numerous stupas, confirming its correctness. Step 2: Consider option b and remember that stupas functioned as reliquaries containing remains or objects associated with holy persons, so this is also correct. Step 3: Examine option d and note that stupas along trade routes allowed monks to interact with merchants and travellers, so this statement fits historical evidence. Step 4: Assess option c and see that portraying stupas as mainly rural is misleading, because many were near important routes and populated areas. Step 5: Conclude that the incorrect statement is option c.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cross checking with maps of famous stupas shows that they are often situated on or close to major ancient routes, such as those connecting the Ganga valley to the Deccan and coastal regions. Archaeological and textual evidence suggests that monks and lay followers used these routes for pilgrimage, trade and missionary travel. Ashoka's inscriptions and edicts mention the construction and enlargement of stupas, further confirming the role of imperial patronage and strategic placement. This evidence supports options a, b and d and leaves option c as the incorrect statement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong as the Answer:
Ashoka popularising stupas (option a): This is historically well established and cannot be considered incorrect.
Repositories of relics (option b): The reliquary function of stupas is central to their religious importance and is therefore accurate.
Located close to trade routes (option d): This reflects the interaction between religion and commerce and is supported by archaeology and inscriptions.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to imagine monasteries and stupas as isolated in forests or remote rural regions, overlooking the fact that religious institutions often thrived near prosperous trade centres. Another pitfall is to misread the question and forget that it asks for the not correct statement. To avoid this, always underline or mentally note keywords like not or incorrect and carefully check each option against standard historical knowledge.

Final Answer:
The statement that is not correct is that Buddhist stupas were located in rural areas as a typical feature.